Steve Kohari

Steve Kohari, 85, of Chattaroy, left his earthly home on Saturday, March 26, 2011, and was welcomed with opened arms into Heaven and was reunited with his beloved mother.  He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born August 31, 1925, to Hungarian immigrants Andy Kohari and Elizabeth Dudash Kohari in Caretta.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, loved him, and were fortunate enough to be his friend.  He never met a stranger and often would give of his time and energy to better someone else's life.  He had a wonderful life; never missing the opportunity to travel, fish and hunt.  We have our many cherished memories of him including the priceless stories he would tell us about the many "best" ever fishing or hunting trips.  He loved his family and spent as much time as possible with each of them.  He loved trips to his houseboat in Tennessee and he especially loved spending long vacations hunting at his daughter and son-in-law's farm in Ritchie County.    

Steve received the Bronze Star on March 5, 1945, while serving with the 247th Engineer Combat  Battalion in Germany during World War II.  He retired from coal mining in 1981 after 40 years, much  of that time having been spent with Island Creek Coal Company.  He was a member of UMW Local 1440.  He was a long time member of the Chattaroy Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by brothers, the Rev. Andy Kohari, John Kohari, Frank Kohari, Jim P. Kohari; and sisters, Mattie "Mary" Hedrick, Julia Kohari Gondel, Elizabeth Kohari Wilson, and Jo Ann Kohari Sweeney; and an infant granddaughter, Angela Lousie Bruni. 

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Peggy Ruth Thompson Kohari; son, Duane D. (Reta) Kohari of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter, Mary Jo (Doug) Dudley of Burnwell, Ky., and daughter Susie (Dominick) Bruni of Petroleum; grandchildren, Steven (Jasmine) Dudley of Henderson, Nev.,  Dr. Mary Beth Dudley of Tucson, Ariz., Meredith Kohari of Raleigh, N.C., Joseph Bruni of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Amy Bruni of Grand Junction, Colo.; brothers, the Rev. Mike (Jewell) Kohari of Forest Hills, Ky., and Joey (Margaret) Kohari of Chattaroy; sisters-in-law, Barbara Kohari, Jo Ann Kohari, Mary Moore Thompson, Margaret Thompson Schroeder and Mildred Thompson Wampler;  and a host of nieces and nephews.     

The family would like to thank Dignity Hospice of Chapmanville for their kindness, care and gentle   guidance.  The family would also like to thank brother Joey and nephews, Darrell and Barry Kohari and special friend/neighbor Otis Pinson for their special care, comfort and support these past few months.  The siblings and their families would like to extend their gratitude to their sister, Mary Jo, for her unwavering and steadfast dedication, and love over the years for Dad.  Her efforts enhanced the quality of his long life.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at R. E. Rogers Funeral Home with the Rev. W. L. Bostic officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Memory Gardens. Maher.

Honorary pallbearers are Joey Kohari, Rev. Mike Kohari, Jim Gauze, Otis Pinson, G.C. (Squire) Ramey, Paul Jerry Marcum, Jerry Dudley and Marshall Basham.  Pallbearers are Bill Hedrick, David Pacific, Mark Kohari, Tim Kohari, Darrell Kohari, Barry Kohari and Chris Kohari.

 Visitation will be after 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Online condolences at rerogersfuneralhome.com.            

R. E. Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry, Ky is in charge of arrangements.        

Katheryn

Sizemore

Katheryn Lewis Sizemore, 88, of Lexington, Ky., formerly of Freeburn and Banner, Ky., passed away Thursday, March 24, 2011 at the Taylor Manor Nursing Home, Versailles, Ky. She was born June 16, 1922, in Banner, Ky., to the late Elder Lewis and Jessie Dillon Lewis. Also preceding her in death is her husband, Thomas Wootsen Sizemore, four brothers, Fred, Glenn, Forrest, and Bobby Lewis, and two sisters, Mary Lewis and Josephine Tate.

Mrs. Sizemore was a retired schoolteacher and a member of Freeburn United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a board member of Phelps Habitat for Humanities and member of the Phelps Helping Hands and Clothes Closet.

A woman of tremendous grace, humor, wisdom and compassion, Katheryn made a special impact on the world around her. A shining smile and quick-witted comment endeared her to all she met. Although her life was not always easy, she didn’t complain, but worked hard to make it better. She was full of love for her family and friends, for the school children she taught over the years, and for the wonderful caregivers she had while moving toward the end of her journey on Earth. She loved God and served him throughout her life. She served others as well, being involved in many community organizations and always helping those less fortunate than she. Those whose lives she touched were blessed. And her family has been blessed by the wonderful care she received from Taylor Manor Nursing Home staff and her personal caregivers. Katheryn lived an abundant life and made an indelible mark on many lives.

Survivors include a son, Rodney B. Sizemore, Manchester, Ky.; two daughters, Glenda Kay Simpson Graff, Nicholasville, Ky., Kathy C. Johnson, Lexington, Ky.; three brothers, James Lewis and Birkey Lewis both of Banner, Chester Lewis, of Mich.; a sister, Geniveve Lewis, Banner; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, Martin, Ky., with Sister Anna Schuck officiating. Burial will follow in the Davidson Memorial Gardens, Ivel, Ky.

Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday at Hall Funeral Home.

Roland Thorpe

Roland Thorpe, 70, of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Majestic, Ky., died Thursday, March 24, 2011, at the Carlton Manner Nursing Center in Washington Court House, Ohio. He was born July 1, 1940, at Coleman, Ky., to the late Eli and Sophia Taylor Thorpe.

The funeral is Monday, March 28, at noon at the R.S. Jones & Son Funeral Home, in Phelps, Ky., with the Rev. Martin Casey officiating. Burial will follow in the Smith Cemetery at Phelps.

Visitation is after 6 p.m. Sunday at the chapel with service at 7 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of the R.S. Jones & Son Funeral Home, Phelps.